Chinese 120w taotonics

I don't think you will be able to put anything on the left or right side of center with just one 16" (light rows are more like 12-14") light over 48 inch tank. You're probably looking at 5-8 inches of shadow on each side and a shadow in the center from the plastic center brace. The par will be significantly reduced throughout.

What you could do is put one over one half of the tank to start and place your corals there. Save up another $180 and then put it on the other side.

 

The problem is the center brace. It's going to cause a shadow in the center. I would suggest buying one and putting it on one side of the tank (left or right 24" from center) along with your corals. Save up for a few weeks and buy a second one to put on the other side.

 

hm what if i modded one, put all the leds into a t5 type casing haha then id have more coverage.. cause its such a skinny tank you know and i only have corals in front

 

That would effect the par and would probably cause a lot of spot-lighting. I have one of these 16' lights over my 24" tank right now. I have a 55 gallon tank that's I'm currently building a stand for. I'll be buying a 2nd unit for mine.

 

well maybe i can put some lenses on them?

 

That would make it worse. You would be focusing the light into a smaller area.

 

Lenses make it spread less so that wouldn't work.. Here is a picture over my fifty.. No center brace shadow but I had it low to my tank

 

And if your near pa I'm selling mine and going back to t5's

 

haha oh ya that was stupid to say, well i guess ill just try out one and if that doesnt work ill pick up another, thanks guys!

 

Like I said, your best bet is to buy one and stick it on one 24" section of the tank with your rock and coral. Save up $5 a day and buy a second unit in 1 month.